Despite advancements in technological connectivity, we're more lonely now than we've ever been.
I've just started working with Friends for Good, a not-for-profit organisation committed to freeing Australians from loneliness. At their recent symposium, an esteemed panel spoke at length about how urban planning can help facilitate connectivity; within communities and between generations.
Take for instance, Kampung Admiralty, a widely-celebrated and awarded housing project in Singapore. Aside from being visually spectacular and quite breathtaking, there are five compelling reasons why this project is such an empathetic approach to urban design and the formerly disconnected residents who live within it:
1. It's a public housing prototype with real world applications.
This integrated development is the first of its kind in the world - and it won't be the last. More of the same will be developed across Singapore to address the ever increasing needs of Singapore's ageing population.
2. They've made it easy to be green.
There are enough green spaces (including community parks and vertical gardens) to counter more than 100% of their carbon footprint. Just imagine if all buildings in all CBD's worldwide could adopt the same philosophy!
3. Their built form fosters relationship building.
The development facilitates communication between its residents by incorporating a wide variety of communal areas; including a hawker centre and a community farm. And the real heart-warmer? The installation of "buddy benches", placed at shared entrances to encourage elderly residents to come out of their homes and sit and chat with others.
4. Their built form fosters communication outside the building.
A community living room has been built that's completely accessible to the outside community; allowing natural light, natural breeze and the general public in. It's also highly accessible to public transport.
5. They facilitate talkin' to all the generations.
Inter-generational bonding is at the heart of this development, with childcare and senior centres housed within the same building. People have observed an increase in elderly residents playing board games with younger residents.
In short, it's a truly empathetic design, punctuated by lively spaces and 'villages in the sky' that provide residents with a multitude of reasons to leave their homes and connect with others in the safety, security and familiarity of their own community.
If I were mayor, I'd roll out "buddy benches" across the entire city of Melbourne. Can you imagine?
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